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drudarby
Posts: 53
Joined: 2/8/2006
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filtering - 2/9/2006 10:21:40
hello,
I am networking our church's school. There isn't a lot of money involved, so this is the setup: *1* winXP Pro machine acting as the server. *12* winXP pro machines in the classrooms. I was wondering if anyone knew of some software (preferably free) that I can block ALL sites...except for the ones we specify. I have searched and searched and found nothing but filters that block certain types of material. We basically want to allow the computers to see only our school website, and a few others that we deem they need to view. Also, we need POP3 and SMTP to be allowed, if that makes a difference. I was going to just block HTTP to all the IP addresses, whcih allows email, but we do want to allow some websites to be viewed. Any help is appreciated!
Dru
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rdouglass
Posts: 9280
From: Biddeford, ME USA
Status: offline
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RE: filtering - 2/9/2006 10:34:14
Many of those things depend on how you're accessing the Internet. Is your server acting as aproxy server? IOW, do all computers have to go thru that machine (or a router) to get on the Internet?
Depending on the configurations involved, you can control them a few ways.
1. Many routers have access "lists" you can 'deny all but these addresses' kinds of configurstions.
2. Local DNS servers can accomplish similar things.
3. Active Directory and Local Policies can do some also.
Can you describe your environment a little more?
There are also inexpensive filtering services for schools but the ones I listed above can usually be done for free.
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drudarby
Posts: 53
Joined: 2/8/2006
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RE: filtering - 2/9/2006 11:20:26
No, there is no proxy. We have a cable modem going into a router and the router into a switch to all of the computers. The only reason there is a "server" is for backups and whatnot.
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rdouglass
Posts: 9280
From: Biddeford, ME USA
Status: offline
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RE: filtering - 2/9/2006 18:10:14
What kind of router?
EDIT: And is it yours or your ISP's?
_____________________________
Don't take you're eye off your final destination.
ASP Checkbox Function Tutorial.
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drudarby
Posts: 53
Joined: 2/8/2006
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RE: filtering - 2/9/2006 23:18:04
it is a private school and the curriculum we use provides everthing we need - it's only elementary, anyway. what the plans are - is the sites that the curriculum company provides, to add it to the allowed list. I thought this forum was to get help with problems - not to be rudely criticized. right??
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drudarby
Posts: 53
Joined: 2/8/2006
Status: offline
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RE: filtering - 2/9/2006 23:19:54
i havnt bought the router yet - I was waiting to see if someone recommended a certain type for this particular situation. It will not come from the ISP.
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Reflect
Posts: 4769
From: USA
Status: offline
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RE: filtering - 2/10/2006 8:37:44
Hi drudarby and welcome to OutFront!!!
I think donkey was concerned about censorship. However in a school enviorment (Or a work enviorment) I agree with you, more so at that age. We do content filtering here for 25K grownups. We also make them sign paperwork to cover us with their inappropriate browsing. We don't go to your extreme but we have a rather long filter list. I am also on a new project to replace our outdated equipment with semi automated filtering.
Now if I am paying for a service I could see being upset. Anyway, I digress.
Here is all you will need to help steer you...
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=controlling+web+sites+via+router+firewall%2BContent+filtering&btnG=Search
The big search term for this is "content filtering".
I would advise two things here:
1) Buy a router to place after the incoming pipe. I would suggest buying a hardware firewall. However the two do the same thing. The big difference is...price.
2) Hire an IT type person for one hour to set it up.
You could also do this with the Microsoft Windows host file locally on all workstations but I have never done so.
It is pretty straight forward with routers from Linksys. We use Cisco routers here at work. They are the same company, one is for business and one is for private/low budget.
Take care,
Brian
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